Gateways Project

The Gateways Project is a key component and goal of the HCAACD Placemaking Initiative to visually acknowledge the legacy footprint of the Central District that was once a geographically redlined boundary.

The discriminatory practice of redlining and housing covenants that relegated Black livelihood to within the CD, would create a lasting legacy of Black arts and culture, thriving business, and guided purpose to build a rich community that was instrumental to the growth of the city. From the upturn of 1940s migration of Black people to Seattle that influenced a significant trajectory toward the 1960s push back on the politics of discrimination, and then the economic downturn of the 1970s-1980s was the beginning of an evolution that saw the CD Black population diminished and displaced by the practice of gentrification.

In it all, Black people are resilient and rise today to reimagine and lift arts, culture, and economic presence to refuel a vital CD community that claims space through an intentional African American lens that is at the center of the HCAACD pillars.
The Gateways will be visibly present at each of the four geographic boundaries to the Central District, a “Welcome to the HCAACD”. A phased project is underway to design, fabricate, and install the Gateways that are shaped by the input of community members and artists.

Current funding is made possible by:
Seattle Office of Economic Development
King County Office of Equity and Social Justice
Phase I Objective – COMPLETE
Select a Project Manager and Design Team to develop criteria for an artist search and identify potential sites for the Gateways
Create a vetted list of potential artists
Establish general design guidelines per location, inclusive of site specific physical and regulatory limitations, and historic relevance
Establish liaisons and open communication across city departments instrumental in the Gateways process
Recommend Phase II next steps
Project Manager:

Preston Hampton
Design Team:

Melvin Freeman
Amanda Licorish Sahali
Doreen Mitchum

Phase II Objective – UNDERWAY 2024
Reconvene the Gateways Design Team led by the Project Manager
Engage community members in a shared vision for the Gateways
Solicit initial ideas for the Gateways aesthetics based on community feedback and defined criteria
Further outreach to artists experienced in public art projects at a HCAACD sponsored workshop and listening session
Open call to artists for proposed Gateway(s) creative solution
Outreach to city departments for site specific logistics based on proposals
Ongoing fundraising for Phase III artist selection, fabrication, and installation.